Norwich: Crusty Corner Bakery gets new look after 40 years

Crusty Corner Bakery in NR3 has been in business for more than 40 years and makes thousands of bread rolls and hundreds of loaves each week for its customers across Norwich.

After a two-year delay due to the pandemic, it has finally completed its refurbishment, replacing the pine counters that have stood the test of time since it opened.

Karen Abbott, owner of Crusty Corner Bakery in 2014 (L) and 2023 (R) (Image: Newsquest)

Owner Karen Abbott said: "It's so lovely to have updated the bakery and lots of our customers have said it looks amazing and fresh - although others have said they will miss the pine.

"We were due to do the refit for our 40th anniversary but had to push it back due to the pandemic as it was hard to get hold of the materials - it was worth the wait."

Crusty Corner Bakery in Bell Road, Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

Mrs Abbott took over the bakery in Bell Road 17 years ago from her uncle, George Haines, who started it up 42 years ago with business partner Colin Haynes.

She believes the secret to its long-running success is down to the love and care the team put into every product - which has kept customers loyal for decades.

"We have people who used to pop in on the way to school who now do the same but with their own children," Mrs Abbott said. "It is amazing to have had such great support over the years.

"Quality control is really important to us - it is hard work having to taste test every morning."

Owner Karen Abbott with her Crusty Corner Bakery team (Image: Newsquest)

The perks of the job have helped keep staff coming back, according to Mrs Abbott, with chief baker Kevin Hammond and manager Keith Claxton working there for more than 30 years.

From apple and stuffing sausage rolls to dinosaur biscuits for the children, everything is made fresh each day with new specialities to try regularly. 

The bakery continues to weather the recent cost of living challenges, which have caused weekly price increases for ingredients and energy.

Mrs Abbott added: "It is a balancing act at the moment but we are determined to keep giving people value for money and making sure they go away happy."